I'm curious why more people who watch softball and know how it should be officiated don't go into umping.

Those balls and strikes look a little different from behind the catcher in three dimensions than they do on TV. Lot of other calls, same way.

Baseball and softball are IMO not more poorly officiated than, say, football or basketball ... but you don't notice every holding call (just complain when your team gets called) or the stuff away from the ball in basketball.

But seriously, if these umps are awful ... is it better in travel ball? High school? Do you think there is a pool of umps out there deep enough to staff all the college games (4-5 a week for most schools) who are good enough to meet your standards? If not, how does that problem get solved?

I have been around a bit and was a pretty good umpire until an eye accident. But as for those criticizing I understand. I cant put up with mistakes and bad calls but I would appreciate them being made BY THE BEST OFFICIALS.

Anytime sex and mechanics are more important than getting the call right you have a problem...I want everyone to rotate and all that but worry with ball and strike and out mechanics etc is way to emphasized.

Its a PC game and I willing to bet at least half of those involved in regional play could be replaced with better officals.

Glad my DD is done ..lol

__________________Ratz

At first I thought I could'nt then I thought I could......I was right both times.

I have been around a bit and was a pretty good umpire until an eye accident. But as for those criticizing I understand. I cant put up with mistakes and bad calls but I would appreciate them being made BY THE BEST OFFICIALS.

Anytime sex and mechanics are more important than getting the call right you have a problem...I want everyone to rotate and all that but worry with ball and strike and out mechanics etc is way to emphasized.

Its a PC game and I willing to bet at least half of those involved in regional play could be replaced with better officals.

Anytime sex and mechanics are more important than getting the call right you have a problem...I want everyone to rotate and all that but worry with ball and strike and out mechanics etc is way to emphasized.

Originally Posted by ProwlerI'm curious why more people who watch softball and know how it should be officiated don't go into umping. Those balls and strikes look a little different from behind the catcher in three dimensions than they do on TV. Lot of other calls, same way. Baseball and softball are IMO not more poorly officiated than, say, football or basketball ... but you don't notice every holding call (just complain when your team gets called) or the stuff away from the ball in basketball. But seriously, if these umps are awful ... is it better in travel ball? High school? Do you think there is a pool of umps out there deep enough to staff all the college games (4-5 a week for most schools) who are good enough to meet your standards? If not, how does that problem get solved?

Some of us who are critical of the officiating are current or (in my case) ex-umpires. I used to be in a large association of umpires in Southern California.

I still know many current ASA/USSSA/HS/NCAA umpires. The stories they tell are amazing. The NCAA is more interested in what you look like as opposed to how well you call Balls/Strikes/Safes/Outs. To do D1 in SoCal you have to look the part; no big bellied guys. It is also helpful to be a woman even if you are terrible. There are also regional and local politics involved, such as Chris Drumm being SoCal ASA UIC.

Last year at the UCLA regional, a guy out of my association did one game at 3B and one game at 1B, while a blind lady got two plates. She absolutely could NOT call the low strike. It was embarrassing. Meanwhile my friend who is a terrific umpire is being underutilized.

Have you ever noticed how the ratio of men to women umpires looks close to 1:1? In regional and CWS play it would seem so. In real life, not so much. I bet the ratio is closer to 20:1. Guys work for years to get a shot at the big show, women take about three years to get there. It seems like the players are being overlooked while pushing an agenda. Those players deserve better!!!

(In the interest of full disclosure, I am also the father of a former NCAA Div 1 pitcher.)

Originally Posted by NuNusDadTo do D1 in SoCal you have to look the part; no big bellied guys. It is also helpful to be a woman even if you are terrible.

One look and it's obvious that the weight issue doesn't apply to females.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NuNusDadMeanwhile my friend who is a terrific umpire is being underutilized.

And over scrutinized.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NuNusDadHave you ever noticed how the ratio of men to women umpires looks close to 1:1? In regional and CWS play it would seem so. In real life, not so much. I bet the ratio is closer to 20:1. Guys work for years to get a shot at the big show, women take about three years to get there. It seems like the players are being overlooked while pushing an agenda. Those players deserve better!!!

I'd put the ratio at 5:1 or 6:1 but either way, you are spot on how gender bias exists. Race is also a consideration when selecting officials.

This is the reality of the college game. The irony is that the bias applied in furtherance of women is damaging the credibility of the entire sport thus effectively hurting the furtherance of women.

Originally Posted by NuNusDadI have no skin in the game since my daughter graduated, but OMG the umpiring makes me want to turn off the games. I want to see the players decide these games, not the umps. If the umpires are incompetent at this level, then that is bad. If the umps are helping fulfill the espn agenda, that is reprehensible!

These umps came up through a system that hosted the year end tournament in which the Umpire Parade was a big deal. Not surprising they are activists and believe umpires are a super important part of the game.

Never would fly in male sports. __________________You stick your middle finger in my face, and you interpret that the way you see fit. I'll interpret it the way I see fit. Then we can figure it out together.

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